There’s a certain kind of magic in a one-pan meal, isn’t there? The kind that fills the kitchen with a warm, savory smell and promises minimal cleanup. This Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is exactly that. It’s a hug in a pan.
A comforting, hearty dish where everything cooks together in a beautiful, flavorful symphony. The rice soaks up all the rich juices from the beef and tomatoes, and the melted cheese on top is, well, the happy ending we all deserve on a busy weeknight.
It’s straightforward food, the kind that feels familiar and new all at once. Let’s make it.
Why This Skillet Becomes a Family Favorite
Beyond the obvious ease, this dish has a special quality. It’s incredibly adaptable. Think of it as a culinary blank canvas, waiting for your personal touch.
It welcomes whatever you have in the fridge. That lonely bell pepper, the last bit of an onion, even a handful of frozen corn. It all works here, weaving itself into the cozy fabric of the meal.
It’s also a quiet peacekeeper. It’s the dinner that pleases everyone at the table, from grown-ups craving something substantial to kids who just want something tasty and fun to eat. That’s a rare and wonderful thing.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering everything first makes the process smooth and simple. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get everything sizzling nicely in the pan.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty star of the show. It brings rich, savory flavor to every bite.
- Onion & Green Bell Pepper (1 each): Chopped up to add sweetness, texture, and a classic flavor base.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced, for that essential punch of aroma and depth.
- Salt & Black Pepper (3/4 tsp each): The fundamental seasonings that make all the other flavors pop.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz): They add juicy tang and crucial liquid for the rice to cook in.
- Low-Sodium Beef Stock (1 1/2 cups): This forms the delicious broth that the rice absorbs, making it incredibly flavorful.
- Long Grain White Rice (1 cup, uncooked): It cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for holding onto all the savory sauce.
- Tomato Paste (2 Tbsp): A little bit does a lot, concentrating the tomato flavor and thickening the mixture slightly.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 1/2 tsp): The secret umami booster, adding a complex, savory note you’ll love.
- Shredded Cheese (1 cup): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Because melted cheese makes everything better, it’s a fact.
- Fresh Parsley (1 Tbsp, optional): A bright, colorful sprinkle for a fresh finish.
How to make Ground Beef and Rice Skillet?
The method is as comforting as the result. Just one pan, a few simple steps, and a bit of patience while it simmers. Here’s how it all comes together.
Step 1 – Brown the Beef Beautifully
Heat the oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Now, here’s a little trick: press it into an even, flat layer with your spatula. Let it be.
Don’t touch it for a good 4 to 5 minutes. This allows a proper, flavorful brown crust to form on the bottom. That crust equals big flavor later.
Step 2 – Sizzle the Aromatics
Once the beef is browned underneath, go ahead and stir. Break up the meat and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper.
The sizzle and smell at this stage are absolutely wonderful. Cook, stirring now and then, until the meat is fully cooked through and the veggies have softened. This takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
Step 3 – Simmer It All Together
This is where the magic happens. Stir in the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), the beef stock, uncooked rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Give it a good stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the pan bottom. Bring it all to a lively boil. Then, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cover the skillet tightly. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will drink up the liquid and become perfectly tender.
Step 4 – The Cheesy Finish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Give everything a final, gentle stir. Then, evenly sprinkle that glorious cup of shredded cheese over the entire surface.
Cover the skillet again and just let it sit for about 2 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible blanket. No need for the stove here.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Uncover, scatter the optional fresh parsley on top for a touch of color, and serve it right from the pan. It’s steaming, cheesy, and ready to comfort.
Choosing Your Rice and Protein
The framework of this recipe is wonderfully forgiving. You can swap the main components based on what you have or what you love.
For the rice, long-grain white is my first choice. It cooks within our 20-25 minute window and stays fluffy. If you use brown rice or another variety, just check its package cooking time.
You’ll likely need to simmer longer and may need to add a splash of extra broth or water partway through. No problem at all.
The ground beef can easily be replaced. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work beautifully. If using a lean poultry, consider a dash more Worcestershire or soy sauce for deeper flavor.
The recipe’s heart remains the same, no matter what you choose.
Tips
- Want to save time? Use 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder instead of fresh. Stir them in with the bell pepper.
- Vegetable flexibility is key. Swap the green pepper for red, or use a cup of sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or diced carrots. Just keep the total volume around 2 cups.
- No beef broth? Use water or chicken broth instead. If the liquid seems bland, don’t be shy with an extra pinch of salt and pepper at the end.
- For a golden, cheesy crust, pop the covered skillet under the broiler for the last minute instead of just letting it sit. Watch it closely!
- Leftovers are fantastic. They store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors seem to get even friendlier overnight.
What to Serve Alongside
This skillet is a complete meal all by itself. But if you want to round things out, a few simple sides are perfect.
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Some warm, buttery garlic bread is always a welcome guest for sopping up any extra sauce.
For something lighter, just a simple side of steamed green beans or broccoli does the trick. It’s really about what makes your dinner table feel complete.
So there you have it. A one-pan wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Give it a try tonight, and make the cleanup as satisfying as the first bite.
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe
Description
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a hearty, comforting, one-pan dinner that’s easy to make, easy to clean up, and easy to love! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines savory ground beef, fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and melty cheese—all in a single skillet for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
ingredients
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and, using a spatula, press it into an even, flat layer in the pan. Let cook untouched until browned underneath, 4–5 minutes.
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Stir in the onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and black pepper, breaking the meat up. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef stock, rice, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
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Remove from the heat and stir. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let stand until the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
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Sprinkle with parsley (if using) and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 680mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 28g57%
- Calcium 15 mg
- Iron 20 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken if preferred—add extra Worcestershire for flavor.
- Rice tips: For brown rice, increase cooking time and add extra broth as needed.
- Veggie swap: Try mushrooms, peas, or frozen mixed veggies (max 2 cups total).
- No fresh garlic/onion? Use ½ tsp each of garlic powder and onion powder when adding bell peppers.
